Marcus Rashford snaps goal drought as Manchester United reignite top-four push with win at Brentford

Manchester United turned on the style in the second half, scoring three goals to comfortably see off Brentford 3-1. Ralf Rangnick's side struggled to get to grips with Brentford's energy in the first half, and only two big saves from David De Gea kept the scores level at the break.

Ad/> Mathias Jensen was released through on goal not once but twice as United's fragile defence was exposed but the Dane was denied by the foot of De Gea on both occasions — missed opportunities they would be made to rue. Premier LeaguePogba ‘highly motivated’, even if it’s to secure a contact elsewhere — Rangnick13 HOURS AGO Premier League table Premier League fixtures/results Premier League top scorers United started the second half with more purpose and Cristiano Ronaldo — who had previously cut an isolated figure — looped a header onto the crossbar.

The deadlock was broken 10 minutes after the restart when Fred picked out Anthony Elanga with a beautiful cross, and the 19-year-old finished superbly with a cushioned header for his first goal of the season. In contrast to their opponents, United proved clinical in front of goal and their advantage was doubled seven minutes later when Bruno Fernandes laid on Mason Greenwood for a simple tap-in.

Ronaldo was visibly unhappy to be subbed with less than 20 minutes remaining as Rangnick switched to a back three, but his decision was justified as Marcus Rashford marked his cameo with a goal to complete the job, lashing a shot into the roof of the net for his first goal since October. United's night ended on a sour note, however, as moments after Scott McTominay was forced off with a back injury, Ivan Toney bundled home to give Brentford a late consolation.